Mr. Ira Croom Jr.

Ira Croom, Jr., known affectionately by many as Brother Croom, Mr. Ira, Bubba, and Uncle Bubba, was born in Lauderdale County, Mississippi on August 20, 1934. He was the only son of Ira Croom, Sr. (1900-1995) and Maggie Johnson Croom (1907-2012). Although Ira's public school education was brief, he learned a lot from his careful attention to everyone and everything. The many travelers he encountered as a baggage handler at Trailways Bus station always had a place in his memory. He never forgot anyone he met and remembered the details of everything he ever encountered. The neighbors wherever he lived considered him the neighborhood watch. In 1963 he married Dorothy Ruffin. To that union a son, Everette Croom (Alexis) and a daughter, Virginia Becky Croom were born. They were relocated to Delaware with their mother while they were young and remained in contact with their dad. Remaining close to his family meant so much to him. He always aimed to please by whatever means he could. His dear mother Maggie's displeasure at his lack of church attendance got him to go; and most assuredly God got him to stay! He loved singing in the choir. Ira loved and adored his sister Callie very much and would do anything for her and she would do anything for him. She lived in Cleveland, Ohio. When Ira went to see his sister, there were so many people in Ohio to meet and greet, he stayed there for several years. He loved going to church there also. He was Brother Croom to Zion Chapel's Church family and sang in the Men's choir. Each December, Ira and his sister Callie would leave the cold, snowy North to spend Christmas with Mother Croom and the family in Meridian. They would return to Ohio after Mother's Day. Ira traveled to many places with his sister. She loved to go, and he loved going with her. Whether by bus, auto, train or plane. This big sister/little brother team loved traveling, meeting people, and reminiscing about the many funny experiences they had. During his Christmas 2021 visit, an infirmity of physical limitations came upon Ira. Despite the gradually increasing severity of the infirmity, his spirit was peaceful and calm throughout. On February 23, 2024, at Queen City Nursing Center, his spirit departed peacefully. He leaves to cherish his memories his dear sister, Callie Smith Anderson; one son, Everette and daughter, Becky; two nieces, Rhoda Cole Daniels and Debra Joyce Smith; a nephew, Wilbur H. Smith; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, great grandnieces, great grandnephews, and cousins.

Mr. Ira Croom Jr.

August 20, 1934 - February 23, 2024